Get ready for the big chill

EX-BOSS WARNS UTILITY DOESN'T HAVE SUFFICIENT SUPPLY TO MEET WINTER DEMAND

- Thando Nondywana

While Eskom has suspended load shedding due to improved grid stability, experts caution the relief may be temporary. With winter expected to drive up electricity demand, they doubt whether the power utility has sufficient reserve capacity to prevent future blackouts.

Eskom announced that load shedding will remain suspended as the national grid stabilises, despite ongoing constraints. But the utility briefly implemented stage 2 power cuts on Thursday without prior notice. The utility has had four load shedding declarations in more than four weeks, citing increased demand and generation challenges.

Energy expert and former Eskom executive Vally Padayachee warned Eskom may not have sufficient supply to meet winter demand.

"Winter temperatures drive up consumption and supply may struggle to keep up.

"Eskom has declared four rounds of load shedding in the past month, underscoring the risk of further power cuts.

"Currently, Eskom lacks a sustainable reserve margin – the extra capacity needed to absorb unexpected generation losses."